Retirement Villages
Erin Gibson • 13 July 2019
The growth of the Retirement Village industry in New Zealand is increasing every year. There are currently well over 330 registered retirement villages in New Zealand.
10 Key Questions Intending Residents Need to Ask:
- Why do you want to move and what enquiries have you made of the Village?
- Is the Village registered with the Retirement Villages Act 2003?
- Do you understand the ownership and management structure of the Village?
- What security arrangements exist and the range of services on offer at the
Village? - What are the entry fees and exit costs on sale? What fees do you have to
pay upon vacating the Village? - Can the Village increase service charges?
- Does the Village have a statutory supervisor, and if so, do you know the rules
and duties of a statutory supervisor? - Do you know the rules for visitors, pets, car parking and having people to stay
with you? - Can you be moved from one unit to another in the Village?
- Do you understand about damage or destruction as a result of earthquakes?
It is only Lawyers who can sign and explain to an intending resident the terms and effect of the Occupation Right Agreement.
If you are thinking about entering a retirement village, pleased call us.
We have worked for a number of clients who are now residents in a Retirement Village.
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4 February 2026
We’re pleased to shine a light on Marta Black, an Associate in our Dispute Resolution team. Since joining Willis Legal in 2022, Marta has become a valued member of our Dispute Resolution team. She is known for her calm, thoughtful approach, and her ability to bring clarity to even the most complex disputes. Marta works across a wide range of civil litigation, with a particular focus on contentious trust matters and complex relationship property disputes. These areas often involve significant assets and sensitive family dynamics, and Marta is recognised for the steady guidance she brings to her clients throughout the process. Marta appears regularly in the range of courts in the civil jurisdiction. Before entering practice, she worked as a Judge’s Clerk at the High Court. That experience gave her a strong foundation in legal analysis and a close understanding of how complex decisions are made, something that continues to shape her work today. When asked what motivates her, Marta says she is driven by the challenge of providing accurate, timely, and practical advice. She enjoys the intellectual side of litigation and the satisfaction of solving difficult problems. “ I enjoy a complex puzzle and looking at a problem from all angles to find a solution that delivers results for our clients ,” she says. That mindset has seen her navigate some memorable matters, including acting in a contentious company dispute involving prejudice to shareholders, which ultimately led to a formal proof hearing in related relationship property proceedings. Another standout was a six‑week breach of contract trial in Auckland. It was hard‑fought, strategically demanding, and ultimately successful. Outside work, Marta enjoys the best of Hawke’s Bay life. She loves spending time with her young family and their two beagles, heading to the beach, and embracing her new hobby of camping (or glamping, as she admits with a smile). When asked what she finds most rewarding about her role, her answer is simple: “ Interesting work, with good people .”


